It has been just over a month since I moved far away from my comfort zone. Far from the place that I called my home. Far from the people that became like, and are, family. Far, far away from Fargo.

I have since found myself in the heart of Montana, living in Helena and working as an admission counselor for an outstanding Catholic, liberal arts college.

Honestly, it’s been a big learning curve, and adjusting has been difficult, but exciting, to say the least.

I think, or rather I know, that I am here in Helena for a reason. I know that God has put me in this very place, in this very position, at this particular point in my life for a reason. Now, it would be absolutely untrue to say that I understand this reason; that I understand God’s purpose for this major life-change. So, to be honest and true, I don’t know.

I can tell you something, though. This new chapter of my life has challenged me to grow up (or least try to– I’m still working on that everyday). Starting a new career (which I have really enjoyed so far, and know that it will only become more exciting and gratifying) in a brand new place, where I know very few people, has taken the familiarity out of my predictable, monotonous and comfortable life. It has been the beginning of a brave, new outlook on life. A time to really discover who I am, and who I want to be. It has been a blessing.

That’t not to say that I haven’t or won’t have my “days.” Day’s when I feel a little lost or unsure, or even find myself struggling to determine if this place I am at in life is really where I am meant to be (but who doesn’t wonder that at some point?). I might make mistakes and things might not be perfect. But, if I was not meant to be here, God wouldn’t have put me here. Ultimately, it’s not about where I “think” or “feel” I need to be, but it’s about trusting that the Lord has brought me to this point for a REASON.

So I encourage you, if you come across a new chapter in your life, and it seems scary, embrace it. It might be terrifying, but chances are you will learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. There is a purpose and it is part of God’s plan.

As I begrudgingly made my way to the grocery store, on my dinner break earlier this week, I couldn’t help but feel negative. It was frigid. I was tired. I was hungry. I was lots of other “debbie-downerish” things too (grumpy, starving, sick–the list of negativity went on and on). After filling my cart to the very brim I headed toward the check-out to pay, swiped my card and took my receipt.

For those wondering, this is pretty much what my cart looked like…except much more organized (this shopper’s organizational skills are a hot mess!).

On my drive back to my apartment, in downtown Fargo, I called my dad and spoke to him about my day (most of what was said was far from positive, as that was the theme for day). I soon approached my apartment only to find that there was not a parking spot in the front of my building, which meant I had to carry my many heavy bags much farther than I would have liked, as well as make not one, but TWO, trips up to my apartment.

I unloaded my groceries, ate a quick dinner and prepared to make my way back to work. But, before I left I collected myself and reflected on this oh-so-terrible day.

For each of the many negative thoughts I had throughout the day, I thought about all of the ways that I was fortunate.

For instance, I may have been cold, but I reminded myself that I have warm clothing to wear and a heated home to sleep in. I might have been hungry, but I was able to buy food–food that I actually liked to eat. I might have also felt sick, but overall I am in very good health and much better off than many other individuals. And making more than one trip to carry in my groceries may have seemed like an incredible inconvenience, but with two good legs to walk on, it wasn’t so bad after all.

I am fortunate. I am blessed. That was the conclusion I came to.

It can be easy to become wrapped up in a bad mood. And, that’s not to say that there is anything wrong with feeling upset, mad or irritated. After all we’re only human and it’s normal to have a bad day. However, that does not mean that we should take all of the good things in our lives for granted.

Not only have been blessed with all the things that I need, but I have also been blessed with family (a loving and supportive one too).

So, instead of focusing on the downs and disappointments, look to the aspects of your life in which you are fortunate and show gratitude. In learning to appreciate what you have and in counting your blessings, it will make those tough days that much easier.

It has been over a month since I crossed the stage at the Bison Sports Arena, collected my diploma holder and took countless pictures wearing my hideous graduation attire (You have to be super smart to graduate, but, boy, does that mortar board make a person look stupid!). In the past few days, I have had a great deal of time to reflect. I learned a lot in college.

Through new experiences, both good and bad, I can say that my four and a half years spent on NDSU’s campus have taught me more than how to write a 30-pages research paper or how to study for an exam. My time as a college student was much more than the homework I turned in, more than the classes I attended.

I learned that:

Being self-sufficient is important.

Heartache is not permanent, but it does leave an awful lot of scars.

Homesickness doesn’t disappear with age (at least it hasn’t for me).

Laundry doesn’t wash itself, and that having a roll of quarters on-hand, at all times, is an absolute must.

Sometimes sleep is more important than socializing.

Setting goals is not enough…you have to follow through with said goals.

Any life lesson can pretty much be seen through the eyes of Kevin Arnold (Thank goodness for “The Wonder Years”).

It’s okay to be 23, unmarried (unattached, for that matter) and still figuring things out.

Not everyone is like me–and that’s okay.

About 90 percent of what my parents taught me, while I was growing up, is true (although, you can be sure, I would have never believed it at age 18).

It’s important not to accept everything (or everyone for that matter) at face-value.

The “freshman 15″ seems to turn into the “mid-twenties 30.”

College isn’t really like animal house (which, in my opinion, is a shame, I was hoping for some Belushi moments during my college career. Oh well).

Pizza can be eaten any time of day–breakfast, lunch, dinner, midnight snack…if it’s available, do what any red-blooded American college student would do–EAT THE PIZZA.

Having a signature dance move is almost as important as eating breakfast…ALMOST (it is the most important meal of the day, you know).

In addition to a signature dance move, one must also have a go-to karaoke song (“Friend’s in Low Places,” anyone?)

Couponing isn’t just for your grandma anymore… so clip those coupons girlfrannn (saving money is so awesome).

“Lol” should never be used… EVER. You can go ahead and add “totes,” “adorbs” and other abbreviated words to that. If you can’t say the whole word, then you probably shouldn’t speak (tough love, I know).

A proper handshake should always be used.

Exercise is beneficial for the body, mind and soul. This does not always mean running countless miles or doing sit-ups til you can’t breath. A simple walk sometimes will do.

Water is good. For many reasons. Too many to list in fact. So, just remember, WATER IS GOOD.

Practicing the art of “leftover-creativity” is one of the most useful tools one will ever learn. Being wasteful is hard on your pocketbook and down-right stupid. Instead of throwing away last night’s dinner get fancy with that leftover mac ‘n cheese.

Having a sense of humor and being able to laugh at yourself is key.

Most importantly, embracing who you are–the good, the bad and the funny is the only way to be 100 percent truly happy.

So, like I said, college wasn’t just receiving an education in the classroom. No, for me it was much, much more. It was a time to grow, mature and learn who I was. I still have a lot to learn, but I have to admit, I’ve gotten a great start.

Complaining about the little things, is a whole lot easier (most of the time), than looking at life positively.

And, I, unfortunately, have done my fair share of complaining.

Tonight, however, I was gladly reminded of just how important it is to live life with a good attitude and a smile on your face.

This reminder is all thanks to Zach Sobiech, a Minnesota teenager who passed away, after a fight with a rare form of cancer, on May 20, 2013.

Zach’s story was so touching (I strongly encourage you to watch the video that I linked under Zach’s name. It is worth 22 minutes of your life… I promise).

The way that he accepted his fate courageously, not to mention doing so with a smile on his face, brought tears to my eyes.

Zach reminded me to put things into perspective… to look at what is really important in life.

Faith, family, friends.

Doing what you enjoy.

Living life without negativity.

This special young man reminded me of how important it is not to take a second, minute, hour for granted, even if my time is not as limited on this Earth as his was.

He reminded me of just how important it is to take every opportunity to breathe in everything around me… to enjoy the little and big things in life.

He reminded me of why it is so important to tell each and every one of my family members “I love you.”

I think if everyone walked around with Zach’s outlook on life, this world would be a much better place.

“It’s really simple actually. It’s just trying to make people happy. Maybe you have to learn it with time. Maybe you have to learn it the hard way, but as long as you learn it, you’re going to make the world a better place.”– Zach Sobiech

Thoughts and prayers to the Sobiech family, during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your son/brother’s story.

“Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?”– Carter Chambers,The Bucket List (2007)

I pondered tonight over many questions similar to these, and decided to refer to my own “bucket list,” (which I actually call my “life list) and looked to see if I’ve made any progress in successfully checking any of the items off.

Over the past few years, I have been continually adding goals and aspirations to my “life list,” but I often forget that I need to be doing more with this list than simply adding more hopes and dreams to it.

No, I need to start conquering the list little by little.

Obviously, I’m only 22-years-old, which is far from 6-feet-under, but life goes by much faster than we realize.

I don’t want to wake up at the ripe old age of 107 (I’m pretty sure this is how old I’ll be before I croak. And, if anyone would like to dispute this issue, I suggest you take it up with my awesome gene pool) someday and wonder, “what if?”

I understand that this is, for lack of a better phrase, “easier said than done.” Yet, having a poor outlook is not going to help anyone travel the world, do missionary work or achieve whatever huge, life-changing goal they might have. It’s as simple as that.

I’ve decided to share my “life list” with you all to perhaps remind you of your own aspirations or goals, inspire you to do something about your own bucket list, or simply to give you a good laugh at some of my ridiculous life-long dreams (Just forewarning you, but my list touches upon some of the most heartfelt, sappy, odd and unique goals around).

So here you have it, Steph’s “life list” (In no particular order):

(“X” denotes that I have completed this item, so clearly I have a LONG way to go)

X- Graduate from college (working on this one as we speak. Can’t wait to check this off in 7 months!)

– Get hitched to some poor soul.

– Travel.

-Throw a surprise party.

-Breed some beautiful babies (like I said, “awesome gene pool”).

-Send my parents on a trip (It’s the least I could do for all of the gray hairs).

It dawned on me the other day that The Spectrum has been the only consistent thing throughout my college career.

Friends have come and gone. Jobs have come and gone. Organizations have been started and finished. But, The Spectrum has always been with me.

I cannot begin to imagine what my college career would have been without working for NDSU’s bi-weekly publication, as well as if I had never met my Spectrum co-workers during my time at NDSU.

The Spectrum has meant more to me than just gaining experience or earning a paycheck (although those are both incredible benefits to working here), but rather working for The Spectrum has allowed me to find my niche here in Fargo.

This is where I belong–where I was meant to be these last four years.

Some of my most valued friendships have been developed from working here, and although many of the friends I have made at The Spectrum have since moved on to bigger and better things (which is what I hope to do in 6 months), I have been able to keep in touch with them.

Words cannot express how grateful I am, to have been given the opportunity to work at The Spectrum. It has meant so much to me.

It has been a place where I can go and escape on my “homesick” days–a place that I feels like home.

In about 6 months, I will be leaving this place, and just like 4 years ago when I moved away from Bozeman, this will prove to be a difficult endeavor.

Morale is at an all time low. Stress is at an all time high. And all I want to do is run far far away.

It’s nearing that time of year again… the end of the semester.

DUN- DUN- DUNNNN!!

I’ll be honest, this is the eighth (can’t believe it’s been that many) semester that I have endured, and as much as I would like to consider myself a seasoned vet of stressful dead/final week endeavors… I cannot.

Actually, this might be the worst one yet.

I have slipped into what I would like to call a “senioritis state of comatose.” And, never in my life have I ever wanted to be done with school, papers, tests, papers, projects, papers MORE (I mentioned ‘papers’ in there multiple times for a reason).

I’m burnt out. I’m tired. I’m ready to move on.

Unfortunately I will not be doing so until December 20th, 2013 (Lord willing–fingers crossed), so for now I guess I’m just going to have to suck it up and get through the next 2 weeks.

I sat down on my couch last night to relax after a long day of school and work, and turned on the TV. I was multi-tasking with one hand on the remote, while the other was scrolling through the twitter feed on my phone.

I wasn’t even really paying attention to the television, until I heard the familiar voice of Giuliana Rancic from the E! network. I looked up, and saw that it was a show I had never seen before. However, the content and idea behind the episode I stumbled upon was some how familiar to me.

The show that I happened to come across is called, “Ready for Love.” Immediately I determined that it was essentially a mix between the popular television competition “The Voice” and the “age-old” dating series “The Bachelor.” And, although I absolutely despise “The Bachelor,” I could not seem to look away. It was like a bad accident (But, really. No joke. It was.).

As I watched all of the cheesiness, the craziness, the stupidity, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Do people actually believe in this?” I mean honestly, are there really people out there that believe that they are going to find “the one” on national television, while 1000’s of strangers watch their “relationship” unfold? And, if so, do they really think that the feelings they are experiencing are valid?

I don’t know about you, but if I were in that situation, I probably wouldn’t be so cool with my “TV boyfriend” dating 20 other females, while telling me he’s “falling for me.”

Get real.

As much as people would like to think that relational development and love can be constructed, I’m going to go ahead and be the bearer of bad news here, IT JUST CAN’T. Relational development and love just can’t be constructed.

Obviously chemistry is important in the equation of love. But love is certainly not a science, and definitely cannot be manipulated like that of a 7th grade science fair project.

People have been falling in love, and finding that “special someone” for centuries without the helping hand of television networks like ABC and NBC. And guess what? PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.

All I’m saying is that true loving relationships cannot be fostered on the set of television network, with a crew of 15 cameramen following your every move, while your jealous competition is spying from 10 yards away.

I’m not usually a fan of memes, but this is basically every contestant on the bachelor, so it seemed fitting.

Typically, I handle that cold, white, wet stuff pretty well throughout the winter months. Over the years, I’ve come to expect it’s arrival, but I’ve also grown accustom to it melting when spring begins to roll around.

Unfortunately mother nature did not get the memo this year, and we, as well as much of the Midwest, have been experiencing an extra long winter season.

I also feel that Phil, our groundhog friend, is to blame for proclaiming that spring was on it’s way back in February. However, seeing as he is just a groundhog, I suppose I’ll let it slide… but just this once.

I’ve tried to remain patient and optimistic, but trudging through the snow in the middle of April is probably the last thing I want to be doing this time of year.

I realize that this is Fargo, North Dakota and I have chosen to live here, but this is getting ridiculous.

I think everyone, at least everyone in the area who has been affected by this “lovely” weather, has heard enough complaints about the “S” word this week, so with that said– rant over.

If there is one thing, that is currently in my possession, in which I would probably have a melt-down if said item were suddenly to become broken or lost, it would be my cell phone.

Not only is this one thing the that I use to keep up with the lives of friends, browse through Facebook posts, Instagram photos and or post tweets, but it is the “life-line” to my family so many miles away…or at least that used to be it’s main purpose.

I’ve notice, now more than ever, that I am constantly attached to my phone. Using it to look up information for a work-related article, calling my dad to tell him about the exam I just finished and explaining how much school is beginning to wear on me, sending text messages to my friends about weekend plans, or simply just checking one of my three email accounts.

But today I made a bold and strange decision, for me at least. I powered off my phone.

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time, besides my plane ride back to Fargo on December 29th, 2012, that I have turned off my cell phone. And it dawned on me just how sad that really is. I have become so dependent on this one thing, that I can’t even turn it off for a few minutes each day.

I think this dependency spawns from my need and want to be in communication with my family, who is very important to me. However, over time, I think that my phone has become a crutch… something to use when I’m bored, lonely or when I’m both bored and lonely.

Strangely enough, today, I just wanted to turn it off. I didn’t want to take calls. I didn’t want to send text messages. I just wanted to be alone. By myself. No distractions. Just me.

I thought it would be a challenge, but it wasn’t it. I felt almost relieved to have time away from something that has become a part of my daily life.

It was almost like I was taking a much needed break away from a friend, who I have been spending too much time with.

I think I need to start doing this more often. I also think I need to remember why my phone was so important to me in the first place… to keep in touch with my family.

If I can take anything away from this experience, it would be that’s okay to “power-off” sometimes, and just be.